SALADS

Cold Broccoli Salad: 1 Amazing Recipe

by basmer

13 de September de 2025

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Cold Broccoli Salad has been my go-to for potlucks and barbecues for years, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! It’s incredibly easy to make, and the combination of crisp broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy, tangy dressing is just divine. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; everyone raved about how fresh and flavorful it was. This easy cold broccoli salad is surprisingly satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser, even for those who think they don’t like broccoli! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cold Broccoli Salad

This salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly refreshing and satisfying, making it the perfect addition to any meal. You’ll adore how simple it is to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

It’s a truly healthy cold broccoli salad option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
You can whip it up in minutes, proving it’s a simple broccoli salad no cook delight.
The creamy dressing perfectly complements the crisp broccoli and crunchy additions.
It’s versatile and pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish.
The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table.
It holds up well for picnics and potlucks, meaning it’s a reliable choice.
It’s a fantastic way to get more healthy vegetables into your diet.

Ingredients for Cold Broccoli Salad

Gather these simple ingredients for a fantastic cold broccoli salad. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, and you can easily adapt it to your taste. The fresh broccoli is the star, of course, but the additions really make it shine. I love how the crisp texture of the broccoli salad with red onion adds a nice bite, and the sweet pop of broccoli salad with grapes is a delightful surprise.

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, bite-sized – makes sure they’re not too big
1 small red onion, finely chopped – about ½ cup, adds a slight sharpness
1 cup shredded carrots – for sweetness and color
½ cup dried cranberries – for that classic sweet and chewy element
¼ cup sunflower seeds, toasted if you like – these provide a wonderful crunch, making it a great broccoli salad with sunflower seeds
½ cup mayonnaise – the creamy base of our dressing
½ cup plain Greek yogurt – adds tanginess and lightens the dressing
2 tbsp honey – for a touch of sweetness to balance the dressing
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – provides the perfect tangy counterpoint
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Cold Broccoli Salad

Making this creamy cold broccoli salad recipe is a breeze, and the results are always fantastic. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, perfect for any occasion. We’re not actually preheating an oven for this one since it’s a no-cook recipe, but we will let it chill to perfection!

Step 1: Start by preparing your fresh broccoli. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is important to prevent a watery salad. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re easy to eat with a fork.
Step 2: Place the chopped broccoli into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped red onion and the shredded carrots. This combination gives us a wonderful base with great texture and color.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt until they’re smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy dressing that makes this salad so delicious.
Step 4: Drizzle the honey and apple cider vinegar into the mayonnaise and yogurt mixture. Whisk again until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; you want a nice balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy.
Step 5: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli, carrots, and red onion in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or large spoon until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. This is where the magic happens for a truly broccoli salad with mayonnaise cold.
Step 6: Now, stir in the dried cranberries and the sunflower seeds. Give it one last gentle stir to distribute these tasty additions throughout the salad.
Step 7: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making the salad even more delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Cold Broccoli Salad

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this salad from good to absolutely amazing. Following these simple tips will ensure your salad is a hit every single time.

Always use fresh, crisp broccoli florets. If they’re a bit old, the texture won’t be as delightful.
Pat the broccoli completely dry after washing; excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
Toast your sunflower seeds lightly before adding them. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.
Don’t skip the chilling time! It’s essential for allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to coat everything perfectly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before chilling. It’s much harder to get the flavors right once the salad is cold.

What’s the secret to perfect Cold Broccoli Salad?

The real secret to a perfect cold broccoli salad recipe is the dressing-to-vegetable ratio and letting it chill. My go-to is a mix of creamy mayo and tangy Greek yogurt, balanced with a touch of honey and vinegar. This creates a dressing that clings beautifully without being overwhelming. For more delicious salad ideas, check out our watermelon salad recipes.

Can I make Cold Broccoli Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is fantastic for meal prep. I usually make it the day before a gathering. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making it even tastier for your potluck.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cold Broccoli Salad?

The biggest pitfall is a watery salad from not drying the broccoli properly. Another common mistake is overmixing, which can break down the broccoli too much. Finally, don’t forget to let it chill; serving it immediately means you miss out on the melded flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Cold Broccoli Salad

This versatile cold broccoli salad is a fantastic addition to any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive outdoor gathering. It truly shines as a cold broccoli salad side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. I love to serve it alongside grilled chicken or burgers at a summer barbecue, as it adds a burst of freshness that cuts through richer flavors.

It’s the perfect partner for pulled pork sandwiches or ribs, offering a cool, creamy contrast.
Consider it for your next potluck or picnic; it travels well and always disappears fast.
This salad is a star at holiday buffets, providing a lighter option among heavier dishes.
It makes a wonderful accompaniment to roasted meats like turkey or ham during festive meals.
As a picnic broccoli salad recipe, it’s a guaranteed hit, bringing vibrant flavors and textures to your outdoor spread.

Nutrition Facts for Cold Broccoli Salad

When you’re enjoying a serving of this delicious cold broccoli salad, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect nutritionally. It’s a great way to add fresh vegetables and healthy fats to your meal.

Calories: 220-280
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 15mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cold Broccoli Salad

Proper storage is key to keeping your cold broccoli salad fresh and delicious, especially if you’re preparing it for a potluck broccoli salad cold event. After you’ve finished making it and the flavors have melded, let it cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. This is crucial for food safety and maintaining that lovely crisp texture.

You can store this salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. The creamy dressing helps preserve the vegetables, but it’s best enjoyed within the first few days. Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze particularly well. The mayonnaise and yogurt dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing, and the broccoli can lose its crispness. So, while it’s a great make-ahead dish for a potluck, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Broccoli Salad

What’s the best way to make a cold broccoli salad recipe?

The key to a fantastic cold broccoli salad recipe lies in fresh ingredients and a well-balanced dressing. Make sure your broccoli is crisp and thoroughly dried after washing. The dressing, a mix of creamy mayonnaise, tangy Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar, should be made separately and then tossed with the vegetables. Don’t forget to let it chill for at least an hour for the flavors to meld beautifully. For more family dinner ideas, explore our site.

How do I ensure my cold broccoli salad stays crunchy?

To keep your salad crunchy, the most important step is to thoroughly dry the broccoli florets after washing them. Excess water will make everything soggy. Also, adding ingredients like sunflower seeds or toasted almonds just before serving can help maintain their crunch. Avoid overmixing, which can break down the broccoli too much.

Can I add chicken or other protein to my cold broccoli salad?

Yes, absolutely! You can easily transform this into a hearty meal by adding cooked and shredded chicken, diced ham, or even crumbled bacon. This makes it a more substantial dish, perfect for a light lunch or a main course. Just fold in your cooked protein with the cranberries and seeds.

How long does it take to learn how to make cold broccoli salad?

Learning how to make cold broccoli salad is incredibly quick and easy! Most people can master it in under 30 minutes, plus chilling time. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common. You’ll be whipping up this delicious salad like a pro in no time! Check out our copycat recipes guide for more inspiration.

Variations of Cold Broccoli Salad You Can Try

This recipe is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with different additions to keep things interesting. If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few of my favorite variations. For a richer flavor, try making a broccoli salad with cheddar cheese; just add about a cup of shredded sharp cheddar to the mix. Another incredibly popular and delicious option is a broccoli salad with bacon and raisins. The salty crunch of bacon combined with the sweet chewiness of raisins is a classic pairing that never disappoints.

Heartier Version: Add about ½ cup of crumbled cooked bacon and ½ cup of raisins to the salad.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled feta cheese.
Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or add finely diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Nutty Crunch: Swap the sunflower seeds for chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a different flavor profile.